Clarke boys fall to Chariton

Clarke boys basketball coach James Larson had his team's second game against Chariton on Jan. 11 circled on his calendar.

After losing the first contest 73-55 back on Dec. 3, Larson felt his team could compete better against Chariton.

"I'm really looking forward to Centerville, Albia and Chariton," Larson said after the first half of the season. "Chariton, I think we can stay with them and maybe win those games. I'm kind of hungry for those games."

Unfortunately for Larson, the Indians suffered a similar fate against the Chargers this time, losing 69-39.

Chariton got out to a fast start, holding a 19-9 lead after the first quarter and a 40-16 lead at halftime.

Juniors Dylan Diveney and Colin Morris both had strong games for Clarke, scoring 18 points and 16 points, respectively. Diveney grabbed 10 rebounds to record a double-double, adding four steals as well. Morris finished with six rebounds.

Only two other Clarke players scored in the game, as Mitch Lampe finished with three points and Matt Blanchard finished with two points.

For the contest, Clarke shot just 24.6 percent from the field and just 3-of-18 from beyond the 3-point arc for 16.6 percent.

Brin Evins pulled down seven rebounds for the Indians in the loss.

Clarke, now 3-7 for the season, hosts Eddyville-Blakesburg tonight and Pleasantville on Monday.